1,000 ‘Mile’-stone reached!!

‘Daft as a Brush’ Brian Burnie began his ambitious 7,000 mile walk to expand the charity Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, on 5th March 2018. Today, Brian has reached a huge milestone – 1,000 miles walked!

A massive achievement for Brian who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, he is delighted with progress to date and more importantly, the reception he has received:

Brian Burnie; “The walk has been equally challenging as it has been rewarding. From the snow and frost in March to the recent heatwave in July, I’ve been walking in all conditions. I’ve met some amazing people, many have offered me drinks and food to keep me going. The generosity of people has been truly moving.”

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care has been hugely successful in the North East with over 300 volunteers operating 30,000+ patient journeys each year. Brian wants to expand the service throughout Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. His aim is to create 1,000,000 cancer patient journeys nationwide.

Cheryl Finlay, who has been walking part of the way with Brian and staying with him in their mobile home for 2 years ‘Bluebell Bus’; “We have passed Ullapool in the west of Scotland, the area is absolutely stunning; the beaches, lochs and mountains are breathtaking but Brian spends more time checking his maps than taking in the scenery! His regime of 15 miles per day, 5 days a week can be punishing but we’re all so proud of him reaching this milestone, what an achievement!”

During his walk, Brian has met with members of Scottish Parliament, medical professionals, cancer centres and patients to discuss the possibility of free cancer patient transport in Scotland.

Brian Burnie “I am thrilled the concept of Daft as a Brush has been received so well by Scottish Health Authorities and Ministers. We are inviting Trusts to Newcastle to fully understand how the charity operates in October 2018 with a view to opening the very first Daft as a Brush ‘hub’ in early 2019. I am very excited at the idea of taking the charity all over Great Britain and Ireland.”

Brian’s 7,000 mile walk continues as he progresses towards Skye; The largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, it has an indented coastline of peninsulas and narrow lochs, radiating out from a mountainous interior.

Cheryl Finlay “The narrow single roads in the Western Highlands around Laide, Poolewe and Gairloch are not suitable for Bluebell Bus especially with her trailer holding water. The low bridges, thin, twisty roads and overhanging trees are near impossible to navigate with a double decker bus! For the last few nights we have been staying in local B&B’s. Venues have been exceptionally kind to the charity; giving donations and not charging us to stay, I cannot believe the kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone.”

On behalf of the Bluebell Bus charity, Daft as a Brush, Brian and myself, I would like to offer our sincere gratitude to everyone.”

You can discover more about the charity’s epic journey at www.bluebellbus.org.uk
Or, follow the adventure on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: DAABBLUEBELLBUS | Twitter: @bluebellbus